Business
From tea boy to head of finance
STEVEN FLATHER from West Wales began his career at local government in Devon doing clerical work and making the tea but through his determination, hard work he became a professionally qualified accountant with ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and is now head of finance for Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue. Earning his professional qualification has seen Steven transform a mundane career in to one where he has influence, not only over the organisation he works for but also over public sector policies and over the development of the accounting profession. Steven said: “I soon realised that if I wanted something more I would have to become professionally qualified.
I first completed my technician level qualification and, as well as relocating from Exmouth in Devon to Haverfordwest, I worked my way up to become a senior internal auditor, but I became frustrated at not being the one making the decisions. I decided to pursue my ACCA qualification and this gave my career an extra boost. A change of employer, but still within local government, saw my career progress to a role in treasury management and the involvement of running a pension fund with £1bn of assets to manage. This lead me to become head of finance for a dynamic blue-light service.
I am on the policy group of my organisation and my presence is requested at authority meetings and on the management board of large or collaborative projects. I have also been invited on to groups advising the Welsh government. Becoming professionally qualified has allowed me to enter a world far beyond the limits of accounting. A truly exciting world which satisfies my ambitions and allows me to think I can make a difference. A far cry from where my career was heading when I left school.” This week (November 10-16) is Professions Week. A week dedicated to highlighting the difference a professional qualification can make to career prospects.
A NEW report by the British Business Bank and Economic Intelligence Wales shows that while most Welsh SMEs remain financially stable, many continue to face barriers to accessing finance and are less likely than their counterparts in other devolved nations to seek funding for future growth.
The Wales SME Access to Finance Report 2026 has found that 66% of Welsh SMEs are currently using external finance, and eight in ten (80%) report a positive cash flow position. Despite this, 19% of smaller Welsh businesses reported experiencing barriers to accessing finance, the highest proportion among the devolved nations.
The report also highlights a more cautious outlook among Welsh SMEs when it comes to future investment. Just 17% of Welsh businesses expect to require additional finance over the next year, compared with 42% in Northern Ireland and 47% in Scotland. While 62% of Welsh SMEs that anticipate needing finance say they are confident about securing it, overall demand for funding remains lower than elsewhere in the UK.
Regional variations within Wales are also evident. SMEs based in North Wales and South West Wales were more likely to report barriers to finance (both 21%), while South West Wales businesses were least likely to feel confident about securing additional funding. At the same time, SMEs in South East Wales were most likely to report a finance requirement above £250,000, reflecting differing growth profiles across regions.
The findings underline the importance of a diverse and accessible finance ecosystem to support business investment, innovation and growth across all parts of Wales.
Susan Nightingale, Director UK Network, British Business Bank, said: “Welsh businesses continue to show resilience and confidence, with most reporting positive cash flow and steady growth expectations. Yet, clear regional and structural differences remain in access to finance, particularly for smaller businesses and sole traders. With Wales recording the highest share of smaller businesses experiencing barriers to finance among the devolved nations, it is vital that all businesses, wherever they are in the country, have the knowledge, confidence and support to secure the right finance for them. This will be key to unlocking sustainable growth across every part of Wales.”
Giles Thorley, Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Wales, said: “This year’s Wales SME Access to Finance Report shows a mixed picture. It’s encouraging to see many Welsh SMEs reporting strong cash flow, yet concerning that confidence and demand continue to lag behind other UK nations. If we want our businesses to innovate, invest and grow, closing that gap must remain a priority.
“Improving access to finance isn’t something any one organisation can solve alone, but the Development Bank of Wales will continue to play a vital role in supporting SMEs, working alongside partners across the wider finance ecosystem to help businesses invest, innovate and grow.”
Economic Intelligence Wales is a unique research collaboration between the Development Bank of Wales, Cardiff Business School, Bangor Business School, the Enterprise Research Centre, and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
BUSINESS leaders, students and policymakers will gather in Pembrokeshire next month to mark International Women’s Day with an event focused on opportunity, leadership and retaining talent in West Wales.
The third annual Partners in Progress: Give to Gain conference will take place on Friday (Mar 6), bringing together established professionals and the next generation of workers to share practical advice and real-world experience.
The event is organised by Institute of Directors Wales, in partnership with Bluestone National Park Resort and the Welsh Government through Trade & Invest Wales.
Hosting the conference in West Wales, rather than a city centre, aims to highlight the growing opportunities available in regional communities and the role local employers play in keeping skilled people closer to home.
Running from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the programme will include panel discussions, site tours and networking sessions. Sixth form, college and university students will be encouraged to question speakers directly about careers, leadership and progression.
Speakers include Belinda Houghton-Jones of RBC Brewin Dolphin, Alex Shufflebottom Jones, former managing director of Shufflebottom Ltd and now an investor and mentor, Dr Owain James of Darogan, and Jane Wallace-Jones, founder of Something Different. The panel will be chaired by Richard Selby, National Chair of IoD Wales.
Organisers say the focus will be firmly practical, with businesses sharing examples of how they are developing staff, widening access to opportunity and building inclusive workplaces.
The discussion comes as Welsh firms continue to report difficulties recruiting and retaining skilled staff. IoD Wales’ latest State of the Nation survey found that skills shortages remain the biggest concern for almost four in ten organisations.
Jo Price, Nations Manager for Wales at IoD Wales, said the aim is to connect experience with ambition.
She said: “Partners in Progress is about bringing people together to tackle real challenges facing businesses and future talent in Wales.
“By connecting leaders and students in West Wales, we can share what works, build confidence and create opportunities where people live and want to work.”
Rebecca Rigby, Director of Operations at Bluestone, added: “We’re proud to host this event for a third year. It’s about creating meaningful connections between future talent and inspirational leaders, and showing what’s possible beyond the big cities.”
Thanks to Welsh Government support, tickets are fully funded, although places are limited. Standard prices are £25 plus VAT for members and £35 plus VAT for non-members.
Places can be booked online via the IoD website.
Award-winning estate agency founded during Covid expands with new office and national recognition
A WEST WALES estate agency launched at the height of the Covid pandemic is celebrating five years in business after building a strong reputation across the region.
Cardigan Bay Properties was founded in February 2021 by Helen Worrall, from Glynarthen, and Tania Dutnell, from Betws Ifan, with the aim of offering what they describe as a more personal, customer-focused approach to buying and selling homes.
Based at Aberporth Technology Park near Aberporth and serving the wider Cardigan area and beyond, the firm says it has grown steadily, moving into larger premises, expanding its team and collecting a string of industry awards.
Among its recent accolades are Residential Estate Agency of the Year at the 2025 Welsh Estate Agency Awards and a Client Service Excellence Award at the SME UK Enterprise Awards.
The founders say their success has been built on transparency and customer service.
Tania Dutnell said: “We started the business because we felt buyers and sellers deserved a better, more personal experience. Five years on, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and the trust our clients place in us.”
The company reports almost entirely five-star online reviews and says word-of-mouth recommendations have helped drive much of its growth.
Helen Worrall added: “We’re grateful to our families, our team and our clients for supporting us. Moving into our new office and seeing the business develop has been a real milestone, but we still have plenty of plans for the future.”
Alongside residential and commercial sales, the agency offers accompanied viewings, video tours, digital marketing tools and online portals for sellers to track viewings and offers.
The business also supports local causes and is backing the West Wales Domestic Abuse Service during 2025 and 2026.
For appointments or enquiries, the team can be contacted on 01239 562 500 or via their website.
Crime4 hours ago
Pembroke Dock man admits threatening to hack woman’s head off with sword
Court imposes strict bail conditions and bans contact with named individuals ahead of sentencing A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted...
Crime10 hours ago
Teenager remanded after teacher injured in knife incident at Milford Haven school
Fifteen-year-old charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article appears before Swansea magistrates A FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD...
Crime18 hours ago
Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court
15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises POLICE have confirmed...
Crime1 day ago
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched...
Crime1 day ago
Teacher discharged as Milford School to reopen Monday after serious assault
Deputy head praises ‘calm and professional’ staff and pupils during lockdown A TEACHER injured in a serious incident at Milford...
Crime2 days ago
Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault
Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community POLICE have confirmed they are no longer...
Crime3 days ago
Teacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
Lockdown triggered as pupil allegedly attacks staff member with weapon – boy, 15, held on suspicion of attempted murder A...
international news3 days ago
Pembrokeshire women conquer Atlantic in epic 3,000-mile row
PEMBROKESHIRE’S all-female rowing crew Merched y Mor have completed one of the hardest endurance challenges on the planet after crossing...
Crime3 days ago
Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live...
Crime4 days ago
More rape and sexual assault survivors to get right to challenge dropped cases
New review scheme to be rolled out across CPS Cymru-Wales following successful pilot SURVIVORS of rape and serious sexual assault...
-
Crime3 days ago
Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
-
Health2 days agoHealth board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales
-
News5 days agoPrincess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill
-
Crime3 days ago
Teacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
-
Health6 days agoDoctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings at Withybush Hospital
-
Crime5 days agoHakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law
-
News6 days agoHerald journalists to feature in true-crime documentary on local lockdown murder
-
Crime5 days agoArrest made after Carmarthen park stabbing investigation
Stinnettekqf
October 29, 2025 at 3:35 am
By running targeted ads, you possibly can successfully attract customers who usually tend to be inquisitive about your online dating services. Moreover, glad and protected customers are more likely to recommend the platform to others, resulting in natural development and further rising gross sales and profitability over time. Implementing these methods to enhance consumer experience not solely ensures customer satisfaction but additionally has a direct impact on gross sales and profits. Impact on sales and earnings: Collaborating with standard social media platforms can have a major influence on your on-line dating enterprise’s sales and earnings. Moreover, personalized suggestions can significantly impression gross sales and earnings. One efficient strategy to increase on-line dating gross sales and profitability is to supply personalised and tailored recommendations for every consumer. These suggestions can include potential matches, relationship events, and even customized dating tips. Nevertheless it additionally appears-from info gathered through reviews-that Three Day Rule matchmakers additionally discover and attain out to potential matches outdoors of their database, meaning that clients could possibly be matched with somebody who wasn’t in the Three Day Rule pool to begin with. By prioritizing person security and belief, the platform can entice a larger person base as potential customers feel extra secure in utilizing the service.
Users are more possible to interact with the platform after they feel it asiame scam understands their needs and preferences. It is easier to feel snug online much faster than an in-person interplay, however there needs to be a restrict to this level as going too personal might usually appear as the biggest mistake it’s possible you’ll commit. There will likely be no frequent pursuits and no level to agree on. By understanding the preferences and pursuits of users, the dating platform can provide recommendations that are more likely to resonate with them, rising their probabilities of finding a compatible match. It significantly impacts gross sales and profitability by growing consumer engagement, attracting more paying customers, and ultimately producing a steady stream of income for the corporate. By leveraging data and machine studying algorithms, dating platforms can present related and engaging strategies to users, enhancing their expertise and rising the chance of them changing into paying customers.
The platform decides to put money into enhancing the person expertise with intuitive design and ease of navigation. Be sure that the platform is optimized for cellular responsiveness, offering customers with a seamless and fulfilling expertise whatever the gadget they’re using. This process ensures that questionable accounts are completely investigated and could be eliminated if found to be in violation of safety guidelines. So you have searched your favorite dating site and finally discovered someone that you’d wish to spend the time writing a message to – that is nice! It could be introducing yourself to new people at a bar or writing an inventory of traits you want in a associate. What is the perfect dating site for people over 70? People who use Tinder tend not to be searching for long-term relationships. The following tips are in no way exhaustive but they do present some good, sensible advice for any senior males trying to jump into the web relationship game. Recent advice from eharmony highlights lots of the identical fundamentals. You possibly can specify that he’s not who he says he’s, that he’s being vulgar or inappropriate, and many others. Use that feature in order that other girls don’t end up being annoyed by the same man!
It was supposedly full of lonely men and women who had given up on traditional courting avenues. Jumping proper into a selected convo shows expertise chatting up ladies. You will discover sites catering to certain age groups, specific ethnicities, religious faiths, gender preferences, academic levels, and more, making it easy to search out a cushty fit. Doing this may make you stand out from other guys. It additionally calls upon its members to speak out in assist of the Rule of Law within their respective communities. Usually sugar daddy discreet meet and courting is a mutually useful relationship in which an older, more profitable man provides financial support to a youthful associate in trade for companionship. Reconnecting with real-life social circles can also present emotional assist. In at present’s digital age, it is crucial for online relationship businesses to leverage the facility of widespread social media platforms for increased visibility and consumer acquisition. Tip 4: Encourage user-generated content: Leverage the ability of user-generated content to enhance your online presence. Tip 2: Leverage influencer advertising: Identify influencers within the online courting niche who’ve a major following on social media.
Canezadjm
November 1, 2025 at 1:42 am
Unfortunately, the lack of subscription fees is just not always an indicator, and there continues to be danger which you could lose loads of time if select to depend on a low-high quality webpage. The expert additionally spoke on present courting culture, one which depends on on-line social networks and encourages ‘an absence of non-verbal cues’. To make use of on-line relationship, a person creates a person account on an online relationship site, then creates a profile with photos, descriptive info and match preferences. When I was on-line dating, I aimed for 2 dates every week. Although one-on-one dates could be anxious, typically group dates really feel extra relaxed and enjoyable. Online studying can carry together a diverse group of individuals, and although it’s asynchronous studying, if the discussion board is set up utilizing all the most effective instruments and strategies, it may be very effective. Nothing to cost from our members but as a substitute of charging any cash we provide the perfect providers so our members can give us that feel that they are having pleasure by surfing POF.
You’ll be able to click to learn right here about a few of one of the best online dating sites. In the course of the match, characters might be played in roles corresponding to “carry”, “assist” and “ganker”; however, the number and sort of roles can differ depending on the game. Depending on the scam, their purpose could be to steal your id, commit account takeover fraud, or use your personal data (or delicate photographs) to blackmail you. Sometimes, the aim is to get you to reveal private data and make you the sufferer of identification theft. Users can then make contact with a potential date using messaging or e mail providers supplied inside the online courting service. Setting some wholesome boundaries between your relationship life and the remainder of your life is necessary, so make sure you may have time for things that bring you joy as that can replenish your energy. Only time and dialog can enable you understand the one who sits in front of you. The prevailing advice to ladies could be put into two broad categories. To achieve a good wider audience, they partnered with Amazon Alexa to create a 30-day challenge by which customers are daily given completely different recommendation and activity solutions. No sound teen courting advice would say otherwise.
If you go to on-line speed relationship event, you should try to dress well, but do not go overboard. After you connect, the scammer will try to move the connection ahead as quickly as potential. If you’ve by no means tried on-line courting, maybe give it a try. For instance, some are designed for informal courting, whereas others are more centered on finding an extended-time period companion. Whilst you may know the kind of man you’re into and are keen on meeting, you have to set relationship dealbreakers, the things that you simply won’t put up with no matter what. So issues have gone fallacious. Website Seo campaigns have traditionally been comprised of two separate however equally vital components, on-site optimization, adopted by the ongoing routine of off-site optimization. The new Seo Impetus? The recipient will say, “Sorry, but I can’t settle for the favor because I’m undecided I’ll ever be able to repay you,” or, “I’d slightly not be obligated to anybody, so I’ll must move.” Sometimes, they’ll insist proper then and there that they return the favor by some means. Asking open-ended questions is a good way to start an inspiring dialog, but if you are simply leaping from one to the subsequent and glossing over some major particulars that somebody is giving up to chnlove real or fake you, then it’s going to turn out to be fairly clear that you aren’t really paying consideration.
One rip-off tactic is to seek out out your safety questions and solutions – details like your first pet’s identify or the street you grew up on. If you are feeling depressed earlier than happening yet one more first date, simply do not forget that an awesome guy might enter your life at any time. Yeah, you had a shitty first date. This can make sure the bad date doesn’t must ruin your entire day. Once they have your trust, the scammers create elaborate eventualities and ask for monetary assist to get them out of hassle. Scammers on dating sites never use their very own photos. Adult on-line courting sites wouldn’t comply with your sexual want but most grownup dating sites are allow you to submit pictures. If you’re looking for love on-line one among the principle complaints that we hear is that photographs don’t at all times symbolize the particular person you might be meeting. You’re on a distinct path.
4d scan near me
December 31, 2025 at 5:33 am
Clear, concise, and practical information. I appreciate how easy it is to follow.
4d scan near me
January 2, 2026 at 12:42 am
Clear, concise, and practical information. I appreciate how easy it is to follow.
baby scan near me
January 3, 2026 at 2:17 am
This content is well-organized and easy to understand. It really helped me a lot.
Hanssontuf
January 5, 2026 at 8:42 pm
Free surfing accounts: Users can check out the profiles of various other participants on CharmDate free of cost. 2.2 When you register with this Site, you are meant to specify your intention for using this Site in the profile, reminding various other members of this factor in situation they misinterpret your objective. If they find a dedicated and caring companion, several Ukrainian women are open to international connections and are eager to move abroad. The system has a high success price in forming long lasting connections. Check out whether a Ukrainian on-line dating system is legitimate. As you can see, there’s absolutely nothing frightening or tough regarding dating Ukrainian women online, so sign up with a relied on system and take pleasure in! What Ukrainian Dating Websites Are Best To Meet Ukrainian Women Online For A Foreigner? Ukrainian Dating Sites: How to Find a Good One and What is the very best? Why it is ideal: GoldenBride makes it much easier to discover pertinent connections with filters and create long-distance communication.
Discover meaningful links on genuine Ukraine dating sites! Odds are if you are referring an actual lady, much of your correspondence has actually been “enhanced” or perhaps written by the firm and you will need to start over learning more about her. We assessed the niche and looked into to draw your interest to the ideal Ukrainian dating sites-dedicate 5 mins to recognize where to look for top notch suits! What is the very best Dating Site in Ukraine? Make certain the website has solid privacy actions in position to safeguard your individual details. We make no service warranties, assurances or depictions regarding any type of guidance, opinion, statement or various other details presented, uploaded or distributed through our Websites by us, our companions or any member or any various other individual or entity. Usually, it’s essential to share just basic info, such as your age, name, email, etc. However, there are services with quizzes that make the coordinating procedure much more reliable, so do not skip those concerns.
To interact with ladies, it’s required to have credit histories on your equilibrium, so we bought a bundle and began connecting. You will not doubt that LoveForHeart is a real Ukraine dating site because its profiles look great and provide all the required details about women. LoveForHeart – excellent for swipe & like specialists and communicating by means of audio messages. Quick icebreakers and an opportunity to attach video clips in messages and mail are super helpful. You can trade video clip telephone calls and proceed trading messages between each various other and eventually fulfill in person. By the way, when you meet Ukrainian women online on UkrainianCharm, you can see their accounts, public pics, and blog posts absolutely free. And you will definitely do well in discovering a amusing or exciting Ukrainian woman with the help of our guide. This will provide you an excellent idea of which ones are the most popular and which ones are not. A good website will have positive reviews from genuine individuals and a history of success stories. Issues like misleading accounts, ghosting, vague intents have created many users emotional tiredness and frustration. Free to attach pictures if you like.
• Chat and exchange photos instantly with members you’re interested in through our popular Live Chat function. CharmDate uses lots of choices to contact members. 4. CharmDate Overview: Part of the Qpid Network, this site charmdate review focuses on uniting Western men and Eastern European ladies, with many members from Ukraine. It’s part of the bigger Cupid Media network, recognized for attaching songs worldwide. It’s tailored towards severe connections and marital relationship. When looking for a trustworthy Ukrainian dating site, it’s necessary to think about numerous elements to ensure you’re spending your time and sources wisely. So, if you wish to fulfill Ukrainian females, you’ll contend the very least 2 functions that can obtain you closer to a soulmate. Recent dating difficulties and trends have made customers become extra critical and wary concerning their on-line communications. Registering required addressing a couple of inquiries, yet then, we took a deep dive right into the satisfaction of digital communications. Over 1 million Ukrainian females live abroad, enhancing the international dating scene and making Ukraine women dating websites more worldwide.
harmony nipt test
January 7, 2026 at 5:51 am
Very useful information, explained in a simple and clear way. I found exactly what I was looking for.